Licensed Practical Nurse

Summary

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) performs assigned duties in a manner that promotes quality health care, outstanding customer service, and maintains an environment committed to serving veterans.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English language proficiency
• In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d) – no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
• Education – graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate state agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time the program was completed
• Exceptions include health‑care education in the military service or training accepted by the licensing body in the jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed as qualifying for full LPN/LVN licensure will be accepted as meeting the education requirements for VHA employment
• OR current GS‑0620 LPN/LVN employee of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) converted to an appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7401(3) or 7405
• OR individual granted a license by a jurisdiction that does not require graduation from an approved school
• Licensure – active, full, current and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) – of the United States or the District of Columbia
• Physical standards – see VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English language proficiency – required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d)
• May qualify if covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who meet the criteria)
• Grade determinations: GS‑3 – basic requirements only
• LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license
• GS‑4 – may be appointed at or advanced to GS‑4 if they meet criteria in paragraphs 3b(2)(a) through (c) below:
  Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN
• Graduation from an approved school and one year of experience in nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient‑care facility that provided practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques
• Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration
• LPNs at the GS‑4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS‑3 grade level, exercising greater judgment, requiring less supervision, and operating in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and techniques
• GS‑5 – completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems
• Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice for optimal patient‑care delivery
• Provides effective education to patients and/or family members regarding common disease processes, medication, and/or prescribed treatment regimes
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact with patients – family members – professional and supportive personnel, incorporating customer service standards into practice
• Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken for commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures
• Observation and documentation include patient’s response to medication administered, and reporting of any noted change in patient’s condition to RN or MD/DO
• Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek assistance of RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures…